Amino acid analysis occupies an important role in diverse fields such as food science and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Nexera Amino Acid Analysis System uses detection by post-column fluorescence derivatization, with o-phthalaldehyde (OPA)/N-acetylcysteine as the reaction reagents, to selectively and with high sensitivity quantitate the amino acids contained in samples with high levels of contaminants.

Selectively Detects Amino Acids

Selectively detects amino acids based on Shimadzu’s highly acclaimed post-column reaction technology and high-sensitivity fluorescence detector.

Ensures Highly Reliable Analysis Regardless of Operator Skill Level

— Superb injection precision over a wide range of volumes
— Unique design to ensure reliable sample cooling

Mobile Phase and Reagent

The mobile phase and reaction reagent used in this system are available as a special reagent kit that can be used without preparation after opening.

Selectively Detects Amino Acids

The Shimadzu LC Amino Acid Analysis System is a special system for selectively detecting amino acids using post-column reaction technology and a fluorescence detector. This system uses detection by post-column fluorescence derivatization, with o-phthalaldehyde (OPA)/N-acetylcysteine as the reaction reagents, to selectively and with high sensitivity quantitate the amino acids contained in samples with high levels of contaminants.

Detection Principle
After amino acids are separated by cation exchange chromatography, aqueous sodium hypochlorite solution (to convert prolines, and so on, to primary amines) and OPA/N-acetylcysteine reagent are added consecutively to the column eluant, then the resulting fluorescent derivatives are detected.

Analysis of Amino Acid Standard
Two models are available — an «Na» model, capable of rapidly analyzing amino acids hydrolyzed from protein, and an «Li» model, capable of separating free amino acids.

Ensures Highly Reliable Analysis Regardless of Operator Skill Level
Superb injection precision over a wide range of volumes
Obtain highly reliable data with the SIL-40 autosampler series, which provides excellent precision over all its injection volume settings for different column sizes and sample volumes.

Unique design to ensure reliable sample cooling

The SIL-40 series has a “direct access” function which allows extra sample vials or MTPs to be added even during analysis. Dry air flow control maintains the temperature inside the autosampler and protects the samples from condensation.
Manually setting the baseline for fused peaks is time-consuming, and the peaks may be split differently depending on the user. The i-PeakFinder has adjustable parameters for different analyses, allowing you to consistently apply the best baseline in each situation.

ANALYTICAL INTELLIGENCE
Automated support functions utilizing digital technology, such as M2M, IoT, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), that enable higher productivity and maximum reliability.
Allows a system to monitor and diagnose itself, handle any issues during data acquisition without user input, and automatically behave as if it were operated by an expert.
Supports the acquisition of high-quality, reproducible data regardless of an operator’s skill level for both routine and demanding applications.

Ready-to-use Special Reagent Kit
In terms of the mobile phase, the pH must be carefully prepared in order to obtain separation repeatability in amino acid analysis. To avoid this labor-intensive process and the risk of preparation mistakes, the mobile phase and reaction reagent used in this system are available as a special reagent kit that can be used immediately after opening.

Nexera Amino Acid Analysis System Consumables

Columns
Separation Column for Amino Acid Analysis Shim-pack™ Amino Series
The Shim-pack Amino series of columns for amino acid analysis are cation exchange columns featuring polystyrene gel as the substrate. Use the Shim-pack Amino-Na to analyze approximately 20 amino acid components obtained by protein hydrolysis. Use the Shim-pack Amino-Li to analyze approximately 40 amino acids and amino acid related substances.

Note: There is no guard column for this analysis. If necessary, use a PEEK inline filter (S228-41748-91) to remove insoluble residue. The Shim-pack Amino-Na can also be utilized for cyano analysis. Be aware however that the Shim-pack IC-CN(G) guard column for cyano analysis cannot be used.

Shim-pack ISC-30/S 0504 Na/Li
The mobile phase utilized for amino acid analysis absorbs ammonia and amines from the air. The Shim-pack ISC-30/S 0504 Na/Li ammonia trap column delays the elution of these components, which can suppress baseline drift and the occurrence of peaks that would hinder the amino acid analysis. Use an ammonia trap column with the same ion model as the separation column used for the analysis.

Mobile Phase Kit for Amino Acid Analysis System
This is a batch analysis of amino acids using the gradient from three mobile phase types.
Use a mobile phase kit with the same ion model as the column used.

OPA Reagent for Amino Acid Analysis System
In this analysis, amino acids are derivatized using 2 reagents.
Before use, add a suitable amount of sodium hypochlorite.